One of the decisions some writers find difficult is which point of view to use. Here are some tips to help you figure this out for your stories. First, figure […]
On Writing
Posts about the craft of writing
Proper English
One of the things most people take for granted is that a writer will be able to use proper English. Yet, especially today – when anyone can spend the money […]
50,000 or Bust
As you know, I committed to NaNoWriMo again this year. I finally hit the 50K mark last night around 11pm. Here are some of the things I’ve learned from NaNoWriMo […]
Use Your Experience
The old advice is “Write what you know.” That’s a misleading phrase, and it stymies many a beginning writer. The actual phrase should be “Write what are willing to learn […]
5 Tips to Writing Emotionally
One of the areas many new writers have trouble with is emotional content. Their writing may have a lot of description, even vivid images, but there is no connection for […]
To Outline or Not to Outline
This was a panel at the Tony Hillerman Conference, featuring Anne Hillerman, CB McKenzie, Sara Hoklotubbe, and John Sandford. Q: Do you outline or wing it? John: There’s no right […]
The Serious Art of Writing Humor
Kris Neri shared some of her secrets with us at the Tony Hillerman Conference. Here are a few tricks of the trade. Teaching humor is hard, Kris says. To teach, you […]
What Writers Can Learn from Cinema
Sandi Ault is a great teacher! This session shared some of the tricks and tips of the screenwriting trade which can translate to novel writing. There are four design elements […]
The Art of the Rewrite
Susan Cummins Miller gave a great talk at the Tony Hillerman Conference. Here are the highlights: A Baker’s Dozen: Common Writing Mistakes Starting at the wrong point – usually it’s […]
5 Quick Tips About Word Count
With NaNoWriMo upon us, many of you are thinking seriously about your daily word count. Here are some tips to maximize that total. Get an early start – If you […]